Service Marketing Study Material
Service Marketing Study Material
2018
Q How can quality service be used for competitive advantage? Think of your answer
in the context of Automobiles and Computers purchased by a customer. (20M)
Quality service can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to gain a
competitive advantage in the marketplace. Here are a few ways in which quality
service can be used to differentiate a company from its competitors:
a. Customer satisfaction: Quality service can lead to higher levels of customer
satisfaction, which can result in increased customer loyalty and repeat
business. When customers receive high-quality service that meets their needs
and exceeds their expectations, they are more likely to be satisfied with the
company and continue to do business with them in the future.
b. Differentiation: Quality service can help a company differentiate itself from
its competitors by providing a unique and positive customer experience. By
offering high-quality service, a company can stand out in a crowded market
and attract customers who are looking for a company that is dedicated to
providing exceptional service.
c. Reputation: Quality service can help a company build a positive reputation,
which can attract new customers and increase its market share. When
customers receive high-quality service, they are more likely to share their
positive experiences with others, which can help the company establish a
strong reputation for quality service.
d. Increased profitability: Quality service can also lead to increased profitability
for a company. When customers are satisfied with the service they receive,
they are more likely to make repeat purchases, which can result in increased
revenue for the company. Additionally, high-quality service can lead to
reduced customer churn, which can result in long-term cost savings for the
company.
A company in the retail industry may offer high-quality customer service, such
as knowledgeable and friendly sales associates, convenient return policies, and a
streamlined checkout process. These features can help the company differentiate
itself from its competitors and attract customers who are looking for a positive
shopping experience.
Overall, quality service can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to gain a
competitive advantage. By providing high-quality service and building strong
relationships with customers, companies can increase customer satisfaction,
differentiate themselves from their competitors, and improve their overall financial
performance.
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Q How is technology changing the nature of Customer Service? Provide specific
examples.
Technology is transforming the nature of customer service by enabling new and more
efficient ways of communicating with customers and resolving their issues. Some
examples include:
a. Chatbots and AI-powered virtual assistants: Companies can use these tools
to provide 24/7 support and answer customer questions in real-time.
b. Social media and online forums: Customers can use these platforms to
communicate with companies and receive support, eliminating the need for
phone calls or in-person visits.
c. Mobile apps: Companies can provide customers with access to support and
information through mobile apps, allowing them to receive assistance
anytime, anywhere.
d. Video conferencing: Customers can connect with support agents through
video calls, allowing for a more personal and interactive experience.
These advancements in technology have increased the speed, efficiency, and
convenience of customer service, making it easier for customers to get the help they
need, when they need it.
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Q What do you understand by the Listening gap?
The "Listening Gap" in service marketing refers to the disconnect between
what customers expect from a service and what the service provider delivers. It
occurs when the service provider does not adequately understand or respond to the
needs and expectations of the customer.
The gap can occur due to a lack of customer feedback, poor communication,
or a lack of customer-focused culture within the organization. As a result, the service
provided may fall short of the customer's expectations, leading to dissatisfaction and
potentially damaging the relationship between the customer and the service
provider.
To close the listening gap, service organizations must make a concerted effort
to understand the needs and expectations of their customers.
Closing the listening gap in services requires a concerted effort by the service
organization to better understand and respond to the needs and expectations of its
customers. The following are some steps that can be taken to close the gap:
a. Gather customer feedback: Use surveys, focus groups, and other
mechanisms to gather feedback from customers about their experiences and
expectations.
b. Analyze customer data: Use data analysis tools to understand customer
needs and preferences, and to identify areas where the service provider may
be falling short.
c. Train employees: Provide employees with training on customer service and
effective communication techniques, to help them better understand and
respond to customer needs.
d. Encourage customer-focused culture: Foster a culture within the organization
that values and prioritizes the needs and perspectives of the customer.
e. Implement changes based on customer feedback: Based on the insights
gathered from customer feedback, make changes to processes, systems, and
procedures to better meet customer needs and expectations.
f. Continuously monitor and improve: Regularly gather and analyze customer
feedback to continuously monitor and improve the service provided, and to
ensure that the gap remains closed.
By taking these steps, service organizations can better understand and respond to
the needs and expectations of their customers, improving customer satisfaction and
building stronger, more loyal relationships.
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b. Information search: In this stage, the consumer seeks out information about
available products or services that can satisfy their need or desire.
c. Evaluation of alternatives: The consumer compares the different options
available, taking into account factors such as price, quality, and brand
reputation.
d. Purchase decision: The consumer makes a decision on which product or
service to purchase, based on the information gathered and their evaluation
of alternatives.
e. Post-purchase evaluation: After the purchase, the consumer evaluates their
experience and satisfaction with their decision. This stage can influence their
future purchasing behavior.
These stages represent the general process that a consumer goes through when
making a purchase decision, but the specific steps and level of involvement can vary
depending on the product or service and the individual consumer. Understanding
these stages can help companies tailor their marketing and sales efforts to better
meet the needs and expectations of their target audience.
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Q What should a marketer do if customer expectations are “Unrealistic”?
If customer expectations are unrealistic, it can be challenging for a marketer to meet
those expectations and maintain customer satisfaction. The following are some steps
that a marketer can take if faced with unrealistic customer expectations:
a. Communicate openly: Explain to the customer why the expectations are
unrealistic and what can realistically be delivered. This can help to manage
their expectations and avoid disappointment.
b. Offer alternative solutions: If the customer's expectations cannot be met,
offer alternative solutions that can still meet their needs. This can help to
maintain the customer's trust and loyalty.
c. Continuously gather feedback: Regularly gather customer feedback to
understand their expectations and preferences, and to identify areas where
the service can be improved.
d. Educate customers: Provide customers with information and resources that
can help them better understand what can realistically be delivered, and what
to expect from the service.
e. Continuously improve: Continuously review and improve the service delivery
to better meet customer needs and expectations. This can help to build
customer trust and loyalty over time.
By taking these steps, a marketer can manage customer expectations, maintain
customer satisfaction, and build strong, long-lasting relationships with customers.
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f. Continuously seek feedback and improve: Regularly seek feedback from
customers, and use it to continuously improve the service experience. This
can include identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to
better meet customer needs and expectations.
By implementing these strategies, a company can exceed customer service
expectations, build strong customer relationships, and ultimately, drive customer
loyalty and business growth.
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d. Empathy: This dimension evaluates the caring and individualized attention
the service provider provides to customers.
e. Tangibles: This dimension measures the physical appearance of the service
provider, facilities, equipment, and communication materials.
The SERVQUAL model is widely used in various industries, including healthcare,
hospitality, banking, and retail, to measure and improve the quality of service. The
model provides organizations with valuable insights into areas where they can
improve the customer experience, and it helps organizations understand the
expectations and perceptions of their customers.
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Q What do you understand by Service failure?
Service failure refers to a situation where a customer's expectations of a
service are not met. It occurs when a service provider fails to deliver the service
promised or when the service provided is of poor quality. Service failures can result
in negative experiences for customers and can have a negative impact on customer
satisfaction, loyalty, and future business for the service provider.
For example, if a customer orders food at a restaurant and the meal is cold or
takes too long to arrive, this would be considered a service failure. Or if a customer
calls a customer service hotline and is put on hold for an excessive amount of time,
this would also be considered a service failure.
Service failures can have serious consequences for businesses, as unhappy
customers may share their negative experiences with others and may choose to take
their business elsewhere in the future. Therefore, it is important for companies to
proactively identify and address potential service failures to maintain customer
satisfaction and loyalty.
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f. Prevent future failures: Finally, service providers should use the information
learned from the service recovery process to prevent similar failures from
happening in the future.
Implementing an effective service recovery strategy can help organizations turn a
negative customer experience into a positive one and prevent the customer from
taking their business elsewhere. By proactively addressing service failures,
organizations can maintain customer satisfaction and build long-lasting customer
relationships.
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2017
Q Desired Services
Service marketing is a process of promoting and selling intangible goods or services.
The desired services in service marketing are as follows:
1. Quality: Customers expect high-quality services that meet their needs and
expectations. Service providers need to have a strong quality management system in
place to deliver consistent, reliable, and effective services.
2. Convenience: Customers value services that are easy to access, use, and obtain.
Service providers can offer online or mobile booking, extended hours of operation,
and multiple channels for customer service to make their services more convenient.
3. Customization: Customers often want services that are tailored to their individual
needs and preferences. Service providers can offer customization options, such as
personalization of products or services, to meet the unique needs of each customer.
4. Speed: Customers want services that are delivered quickly and efficiently. Service
providers can invest in technology, training, and processes to reduce wait times and
improve response times.
5. Reliability: Customers expect services to be dependable and consistently available.
Service providers need to ensure that their services are available when customers
need them and that they meet the standards of quality and performance.
6. Responsiveness: Customers value services that respond quickly and effectively to
their needs and inquiries. Service providers need to have an effective and efficient
customer service system in place to handle inquiries, complaints, and feedback.
7. Empathy: Customers appreciate services that are delivered with understanding,
kindness, and concern for their well-being. Service providers can train their
employees to provide personalized, empathetic, and compassionate service.
In conclusion, desired services in service marketing are those that are of high quality,
convenient, customizable, fast, reliable, responsive, and delivered with empathy. Service
providers must understand and meet these expectations to be successful in the service
market.
Q Adequate Services
Adequate services in service marketing are those that meet the minimum
expectations and requirements of customers. They are characterized by the following traits:
1. Availability: Adequate services are available when customers need them, and can be
easily accessed and obtained.
2. Functionality: Adequate services should perform their intended function effectively
and efficiently.
3. Consistency: Adequate services should be delivered with consistency, meaning that
customers should receive the same quality and level of service each time they
interact with the service provider.
4. Compliance: Adequate services should comply with relevant laws, regulations, and
industry standards.
5. Safety: Adequate services should not cause harm or pose a threat to customers or
the environment.
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6. Affordability: Adequate services should be priced reasonably, so that they are
accessible to the target customer segment.
7. Transparency: Adequate services should provide clear and accurate information
about the service, including features, benefits, and limitations.
In summary, adequate services in service marketing meet the basic expectations of
customers and provide value for money. Service providers should strive to deliver adequate
services as a minimum requirement and continuously improve and enhance their services to
meet the changing needs and expectations of customers.
Q Customer Relationships
Customer relationships in service marketing refer to the interactions and experiences
that customers have with a service provider. These relationships play a critical role in
determining customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy. Here are some key aspects of
customer relationships in service marketing:
1. Personalization: Service providers can create a personalized experience for
customers by understanding their individual needs and preferences, and tailoring
their services accordingly.
2. Communication: Effective communication is essential for building strong customer
relationships. Service providers should be responsive and proactive in addressing
customer inquiries and feedback.
3. Trust: Trust is a key component of customer relationships in service marketing.
Service providers can build trust by delivering high-quality services consistently and
transparently, and by protecting customer privacy and security.
4. Empathy: Service providers can create positive customer experiences by showing
empathy and understanding, and by going above and beyond to meet customer
needs.
5. Loyalty programs: Service providers can incentivize customers to remain loyal by
offering rewards, discounts, and other benefits through loyalty programs.
6. After-sales service: Service providers can create positive customer relationships by
providing excellent after-sales service, such as resolving issues quickly and
effectively, and offering ongoing support and maintenance.
In conclusion, customer relationships in service marketing are critical to the success
of service providers. Service providers should strive to create positive and lasting
relationships with customers by delivering high-quality services, communicating effectively,
building trust, showing empathy, offering loyalty programs, and providing excellent after-
sales service.
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2. Price: Price is a key factor that can influence customer loyalty, as customers are often
looking for value for money. Service providers that offer competitive prices are more
likely to retain customers.
3. Customer experience: The overall customer experience, including the ease of use,
speed, convenience, and personalization of services, can impact customer loyalty.
Service providers that deliver a positive customer experience are more likely to build
loyalty among their customers.
4. Marketing efforts: Marketing efforts, such as loyalty programs and promotional
activities, can also impact customer loyalty. Service providers that invest in
marketing initiatives that engage and reward customers are more likely to build
customer loyalty.
5. Competitor offerings: The offerings of competing service providers can also affect
customer loyalty. Service providers need to be aware of their competitors and
continuously improve their services to remain competitive and retain customers.
6. Personal factors: Personal factors, such as customer preferences, values, and life
circumstances, can also impact customer loyalty. Service providers need to
understand their customers to tailor their services and build lasting relationships.
In conclusion, customer loyalty is influenced by a combination of factors, including
quality of service, price, customer experience, marketing efforts, competitor offerings, and
personal factors. Service providers need to understand and address these factors to build
and maintain customer loyalty.
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connections. In relationship development, social bonds play an important role in several
ways:
1. Building trust: Social bonds can help build trust between individuals. When
individuals have strong social bonds with each other, they are more likely to trust
each other and have confidence in each other's intentions.
2. Establishing networks: Social bonds can provide individuals with access to networks
and resources that they might not have otherwise. These networks can be valuable
in many areas of life, including work, social activities, and personal relationships.
3. Enhancing emotional support: Social bonds provide individuals with emotional
support and a sense of belonging. When individuals have strong social bonds, they
are less likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, and more likely to
feel connected and valued.
4. Improving communication: Social bonds can enhance communication between
individuals. When individuals have strong social bonds, they are more likely to be
able to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts, and less likely to
misunderstand each other.
5. Fostering collaboration: Social bonds can encourage collaboration and teamwork.
When individuals have strong social bonds, they are more likely to work together
effectively and achieve common goals.
In conclusion, social bonds are an important factor in relationship development, as
they play a critical role in building trust, establishing networks, enhancing emotional support,
improving communication, and fostering collaboration. Service providers can leverage social
bonds to develop strong relationships with their customers and to create a positive and
supportive environment for their customers.
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customer and the service provider. When customers feel that a provider has taken
the time to understand their needs and preferences, they are more likely to form
strong relationships with the provider.
In conclusion, customization bonds are an important factor in relationship
development, as they play a critical role in building customer loyalty, improving customer
satisfaction, differentiating from competitors, and building customer relationships. Service
providers can leverage customization bonds to offer personalized and tailored services that
meet the unique needs of their customers, and to develop strong, long-lasting relationships
with their customers
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